Cushion cover machine



May 6,1969 H.B.WYL|E 3,441,994

' I cusm oN cov ER MACHINE v of? s et- Filed Dec. 12, 1966 May 6, 1969; H. a. WYLIE CUSHION COVER MACHINE I Sheet 2 of" 4 Filed Dec. 12. 1966 FIG. 5

' H. B. WYLIE May 6, 1969 CUSHION COVER MACHINE Sheet Filed Dec. 12. 1966 H. B. WYLIE CUSHION COVER MACHINE May 6, 19 69 Sheet 4 of Fil e d Dec. 12. 1966 United States Patent Office Patented May- 6, 1969 3,441,994 CUSHION COVER MACHINE Harold B. Wylie, Barrington, R.I., assignor to Panelstitchers, Inc., Leominster, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Filed Dec. 12, 1966, Ser. No. 601,191

Int. Cl. B68g 7/00 US. CI. 29-91 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a machine for substantially reducing the skilled labor ordinarily required in manufacturing a cushion cover for upholstered furniture or similar bag-like objects where at least one facing is to be attached, as for example, by stitching to a preformed side strip or boxing. In particular, this invention relates to attaching top and bottom panels to a boxing having a Welt.

The machine comprises generally a forming frame, means for holding the panels and pre-formed boxing in proper position on the forming frame to permit joining of the edges, means for supporting and holding the framemounted assembly in a fixed position, separate joining heads adapted to be moved along a desired seam line, and means for controlling the motion of the joining heads. This invention is particularly applicable to bag-like objects having relatively sharp corners and edges as exemplified by a cushion cover.

When a sewn, welted cushion cover is to be made in accordance with this invention, the pro-assembled boxing and welting are mounted on the forming frame inside out so that the stitching will be hidden. A slide fastener is provided along one side of the boxing so as to permit later removal of the frame and insertion of material. Where the covers design permits joining or stitching on the outside, it can be mounted on the frame, right side out. Inasmuch as cushion covers are of varying contour and dimension, the forming frame is preferably adjustable in several dimensions and the guide means for the sewing head can be changed in position and contour. This invention is not limited to complete cushion covers, but is also applicable to furniture, seat or upholstery coverings which are normally incomplete in a panel or side, as for example, a cover for an automobile seat or a backing for a chair.

A specific embodiment of this invention is described below in conjunction with the attached drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a finished cushion cover to be fashioned by means of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable frame for mounting as assembled portions of the cushion cover for stitching.

FIG. 3 illustrates a pre-assembled side strip or boxing mounted inside out on the frame shown in FIG. 2, with the welt positioned in the groove of the frame.

FIG. 4 shows the assembly of FIG. 3 wherein one panel has been positioned by means of the retractable pins of the frame.

FIG. 4A is a sectional view along line 4A-4A of FIG. 3 showing only the top panel in position.

FIG. 4B is a view similar to 4A showing both top and bottom panels in position.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the means for holding and operating on the assembly of cushion portions mounted on the frame.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the completely preassembled frame, boxing and panels in position so as to permit stitching of the edges.

FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view of the front of the machine shown in RIG. 6 showing the means for guiding and controlling the motion of the moveable sewing head.

FIG. 8 is a partial left end view of the machine shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a transverse view along line 9-9 of FIG. 8

As illustrated in the drawings, the desired finished cushion cover 11 has top and bottom panels 12 and 13 which are sewn on the inside to the edges of the side strip or boxing 14 which has top and bottom welting 15 and 16. A slide closure 44a is provided along one side.

The forming frame 21 comprises four adjustable sections, 22, 23, 24 and 25, which are moveable in increments by means of extension rods 26, 27, 126 and 127. Each section, e.g. 22, has holes 128 which permit a flush pin 129 to lock it into a hole in the end of the rod 26, and has a top welt groove 31 and bottom welt groove 32. A plurality of retractable pins (28, 28a) are provided near the upper and lower outer edges of the frame to hold the panels 12, 13 in position on the side strip 14. FIG. 2 illustrates schematically the rotation of a dial 29 on rod 30 for raising and lowering the pins 28 on the upper surface by mechanical linkages not illustrated because of its conventional nature. The single rod and mechanism can also operate separately on the lower pins 28a or an additional rod can be provided.

The operating portion of the machine comprises a frame 41 having a support table section 42 with a worm (60, 160, 260, 360) and a guide track (59, 159, 259, 359) supported along each edge of the table section 42.

Mounted on each worm is a sewing machine assembly (50, 150, 250, and 350). Each sewing machine assembly has a carriage (70, 170, 270, 370) and wheels ,(71, 171, 271, 371) permitting it to move on the upper surface (71d, 171d, 271d, 371d) of the table section, as motion is applied from motor (54, 154, 254, 354) to shaft (54a, 154a, 254a, 354a) to pulley 57, 157, 257, 357 then by belt (58, 158, 258, 358) to a pulley (56, 156, 256, 356) mounted on the worm (60, 160, 260, 360). The other end of the motor shaft (54b, 154b, 254b, 354b) operates, through another pulley and belt, the sewing pulley (55, 155, 255, 355) which operates the conventional sewing head for actuating the needle (52, 152, 252, 352). The worm and pulleys are so constructed and arranged that the motor causes the assembly to move one inch while the needle makes the desired number of stitches for the inch.

Each sewing machine assembly (50, 150, 250, 350) has an arm (63a, 163a, 263a, 363a) having a follower (63, 163, 263, 363) which engages the guide track (59, 159, 259, 359). The arm (63a, 163a, 263a, 363a) supports the sewing mechanism and is slideable in slot 73 in the carriage 70 so as to accommodate the shape of the guide track (59, 159, 259, 359). The guide track 59 can be varied to accommodate the curvature or depth of the side of the particular cushion cover being sewn.

In operating the machine, the completely assembled frame is placed on the support table 42, switch 180 is actuated, causing fluid cylinder to actuate clamps 62 to hold the frame firmly in position. Then the operator actuates switch which causes each of the four sewing machine heads to move simultaneously from its retracted position along its side until the heads actuate a limit switch (90, 91, 92, 93). Each of these heads will hit its own limit switch at a different time in accordance with the length of its travel. However, all are actuated at the same time. As soon as four sides have been stitched, the operator again presses the clamp switch 180 which reverses the action of cylinder 95 causing retraction of the clamps, turns the assembly over, and again presses the clamp switch 180 to reposition the assembly. The operator then again presses switch 170 which causes each of the four sewing heads to move ina reverse direction until each hits its own second limit switch (not illustrated).

I claim:

1. In combination, a forming frame adapted to hold the edge of a horizontal panel in joining position with the edges of a vertical strip, a support, means for holding said frame in fixed position on said support, and a plurality of moveable joining heads; each head being mounted adjacent a dilferent side and adapted to move so as to join the corresponding edge of the panel and strip.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said frame is provided with retractable pins adapted for temporary attachment of the panel to the pre-assembled side strip and means for ejecting and retracting said pins.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the frame is held in fixed position by fluid operated clamps.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein said heads are arranged to be moved simultaneously.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said heads are arranged to be actuated so as to move in one direction and then stop at selected positions, and upon re-actuation caused to move in the opposite direction and then stop at selected positions.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein each head includes a sewing mechanism operable on the edges.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein a motor is mounted on the head which drives the mechanism and acts, in conjunction with a fixed gear or worm to move the head along the edges of panel and strip.

8. The combination of claim 1 wherein the operating portion of head can move transversely and has a follower engageable with a track on said support.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS THOMAS H. EAGER, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 29-91. 1 

